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50 Popular Beliefs That People Think Are True
- Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt
- Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins
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50 Popular Beliefs That People Think Are True
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Summary
Maybe you know someone who swears by the reliability of psychics or who is in regular contact with angels. Or perhaps you're trying to find a nice way of dissuading someone from wasting money on a homeopathy cure. Or you met someone at a party who insisted the Holocaust never happened or that no one ever walked on the moon.
How do you find a gently persuasive way of steering people away from unfounded beliefs, bogus cures, conspiracy theories, and the like? Longtime skeptic Guy P. Harrison shows you how in this down-to-earth, entertaining exploration of commonly held extraordinary claims.
A veteran journalist, Harrison has not only surveyed a vast body of literature, but has also interviewed leading scientists, explored "the most haunted house in America," frolicked in the inviting waters of the Bermuda Triangle, and even talked to a "contrite Roswell alien."
Harrison is not out simply to debunk unfounded beliefs. Wherever possible, he presents alternative scientific explanations, which in most cases are even more fascinating than the wildest speculation. For example, stories about UFOs and alien abductions lack good evidence, but science gives us plenty of reasons to keep exploring outer space for evidence that life exists elsewhere in the vast universe. The proof for Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster may be nonexistent, but scientists are regularly discovering new species, some of which are truly stranger than fiction.
Stressing the excitement of scientific discovery and the legitimate mysteries and wonder inherent in reality, Harrison invites listeners to share the joys of rational thinking and the skeptical approach to evaluating our extraordinary world.
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What listeners say about 50 Popular Beliefs That People Think Are True
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Swing Swang
- 11-10-13
Enjoyable in bite-sized chunks
Guy's book was well narrated by Erik Synnesrvedt. I'm sure that if you have some very firmly held beliefs that you'll find some of the chapters challenging or even objectionable. However the author, whilst consistently promoting a scientific and skeptical approach, is nevertheless mindful that his readers may have different views and so he comes across as an educationalist rather than as a pugilist.
I recall that one reviewer felt that Guy's book confirmed his/her distancing from religion, however this really does depend on precisely what your belief system consists of. For example if you believe that Intelligent Design Theory is the last word on our origins then you will find this book most objectionable, if on the other hand you are comfortable with the notion that the Bible addresses the 'why' questions (Why are we here?) and leaves science to answer the 'how' questions (How did we get here?) then you will find this book both stimulating and thought provoking, even if you cannot come to the same conclusions.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr R.
- 20-03-23
Narration could be more engaging
Great facts but the narration is very flat. Thus it almost felt like a chore to get to the end rather than a surprise that we reached the end.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dr RE Hodgson
- 31-01-24
The clear, rational and completely non-judgemental approach to addressing each topic with irrefutable evidence
The speaker was at the perfect tempo. Each topic was of a length that gave sufficient time to contemplate. Will be coming back a few times to listen in more detail
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Edueye
- 19-11-13
Good intentions but very boooring
Any additional comments?
Very predictable and repetitious, and not even entertaining. Don't waste your money as I did.
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1 person found this helpful